To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON November 18, 1958 Dear Brooks: When I learned upon arriving in Miami that you also were there, I tried to get in touch with you but, unfortunately, you had checked out of the hotel before we were able to make connections. As a Republican who campaigned in 25 states, it goes without saying that the results on November 4 in many states and districts were disappointing to me. But, writing to you not just as a personal friend but as one who has always admired your statesmanlike leadership in the House of Representatives, I can say without qualification that there was no more tragic result of this last election, from the standpoint of the nation, than your defeat in Arkansas. When statesmanship of the type you represent in such an exemplary way becomes the victim of demagoguery and prejudice, it is time for men of good will in both of our major parties in all sections of the country to exert more positive leadership in developing the public understanding on the issue of civil rights which is essential if America is to continue to be a nation of responsible laws rather than irresponsible men. I use the term in all sections of the country advisedly. Having attended one of the south's great universities, I am aware of the acute difficulties this problem presents and I know of the enlightened leadership which you and other southerners have been and are providing for its solution. And as one who has lived most of my life in the north and west I know this is not just a southern problem. Those in the north must not point the finger of accusation at the south without recognizing their own responsibility to put their own house in order. I know too that our well-publicized failures in this field should and must not be allowed to obscure the record of success and progress which has been made in many areas. But that is why it is all the more important for the responsible leaders of both our major parties to join together in helping to mobilize

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON November 18, 1958 Dear Brooks: When I learned upon arriving in Miami that you also were there, I tried to get in touch with you but, unfortunately, you had checked out of the hotel before we were able to make connections. As a Republican who campaigned in 25 states, it goes without saying that the results on November 4 in many states and districts were disappointing to me. But, writing to you not just as a personal friend but as one who has always admired your statesmanlike leadership in the House of Representatives, I can say without qualification that there was no more tragic result of this last election, from the standpoint of the nation, than your defeat in Arkansas. When statesmanship of the type you represent in such an exemplary way becomes the victim of demagoguery and prejudice, it is time for men of good will in both of our major parties in all sections of the country to exert more positive leadership in developing the public understanding on the issue of civil rights which is essential if America is to continue to be a nation of responsible laws rather than irresponsible men. I use the term in all sections of the country advisedly. Having attended one of the south's great universities, I am aware of the acute difficulties this problem presents and I know of the enlightened leadership which you and other southerners have been and are providing for its solution. And as one who has lived most of my life in the north and west I know this is not just a southern problem. Those in the north must not point the finger of accusation at the south without recognizing their own responsibility to put their own house in order. I know too that our well-publicized failures in this field should and must not be allowed to obscure the record of success and progress which has been made in many areas. But that is why it is all the more important for the responsible leaders of both our major parties to join together in helping to mobilize